Andoni Iraola ready for Liverpool’s Champions League test against Atletico Madrid

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola will take charge of his first UEFA Champions League match when his side host Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.

The fixture is Liverpool’s opening match of the first stage of the competition and gives Iraola an immediate test against one of Europe’s leading clubs. The Spaniard was appointed at the start of the current season after Liverpool dismissed Dutch manager Arne Slot following a disappointing campaign.

“This is, of course, a special night for me,” Iraola said at his news conference on Tuesday.

“Everyone talks about Champions League nights at Anfield, and our first match will be against a strong opponent in Atletico Madrid. Simeone is doing a great job as a manager. I think the way he achieves the club’s objectives every season, year after year, is remarkable, and he is certainly a major challenge for us.”

Simeone has far more experience of matches at this level than Iraola, who began his coaching career only seven or eight years ago. However, the Liverpool manager is hoping his players can rise to the occasion.

“He has much more experience than me in this type of match, but I hope we can put in a good performance tomorrow,” he said.

“It was difficult for me, when I started my coaching career seven or eight years ago, to reach where I am now, and I hope I can enjoy the experience.”

Iraola said he felt proud to be in the Liverpool dugout for such a major occasion, while making clear that the immediate priority was to prepare his team to win.

“It is a big responsibility and a huge challenge, but I feel proud to be on the bench tomorrow. Now my focus is on building the team in the best possible way so that we can play well, win and make a strong start in the Champions League.”

Liverpool ended a run of two consecutive draws with victory last Friday, and Iraola said that result had restored some confidence. He was also encouraged by the way his players started the game, particularly before half-time.

“Our main objective on Friday was to win because we were disappointed after two consecutive draws and we badly needed the victory,” he said.

“But I also felt optimistic after seeing some excellent performances from certain players. I saw the team start the match with greater intensity and enthusiasm, especially in the first half, and I think that is the approach we want to continue.”

Asked about the main difference between the two teams, Iraola said Atletico Madrid’s possession and attacking movement would make them difficult to contain.

“Atletico Madrid are a team who play very well. We always notice that Simeone’s teams have more possession, especially in the early stages of the match,” he said.

“They have great dynamism because of their four attacking players, which can make them difficult to stop. They rotate positions frequently in the attacking areas, so it will not be easy for their opponents or for us tomorrow.”

Although Wednesday’s game represents a major examination of Iraola’s credentials, he insisted it remained a football match rather than an occasion to be overwhelmed by the Champions League setting.

“It is a Champions League match and our first game against one of the strongest teams we will face, but in the end it is football. We also play against excellent teams in the Premier League,” he said.

“I know Atletico Madrid well, as well as some of their players. It will be a difficult test, and it would have been difficult even if I were not the manager, because it is our first Champions League match against another major club.”

“It is a great game and a real test for the team as a whole. I think it will show us the level of our performance. We saw some good signs last Friday, and now let us see where we are against a team like Atletico Madrid.”

Iraola refused to reveal his starting line-up and said he must balance Wednesday’s match with the demands of a busy schedule. However, because Liverpool last played on Friday, he believes his squad has had enough time to recover.

“I will not tell you the starting line-up. You are asking whether I will make many changes or not, but my players do not know the team, so I certainly will not tell you,” he said.

“I have to take into account that we have more matches and that they need more physical training, but I do not think this is the most difficult scenario I will face this season because we played on Friday, so we have had good days of rest.”

The Liverpool manager also praised left-back Milos Kerkez after his display last Friday.

“I think Milos had a great performance last Friday. I know him well and I know his ability. Despite his young age, he still has a lot of potential, as well as good experience in the Premier League and with his national team. He is a player I trust completely,” said Iraola.

“He needs to improve in many areas, like every other player, and I also need to improve in many areas. But I am ready to try to help him first become a better player, and I think he is on the right path. I think he gave an excellent performance for us last Friday.”

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